My BEST Dentists Journal

All Journal Entries
Share

Should you floss before or after you brush your teeth?

You don’t have to be told the importance of good dental hygiene. Taking care of your teeth not only fights bad breath, it can also prevent cavities, gum disease, and contribute to a healthy set of pearly whites.

But when it comes to flossing and brushing your teeth, like many, you might not give much thought to the proper order.

As long as you’re doing both on a regular basis, you’re good, right? Well, not necessarily. The recommendation is actually to floss before brushing your teeth.

This article will explain why this sequence is best, and provide tips on how to get the most out of flossing and brushing.

Why is it better to floss before brushing?

Some people get into a routine of brushing then flossing. The problem with this sequence is that any food, plaque, and bacteria released by flossing from in between your teeth remains in your mouth until the next time you brush.

However, when you floss and then brush, the brushing action removes these released particles from the mouth. As a result, there’s less dental plaque in your mouth, and you’ll have a lower risk of developing gum disease.

The fluoride in your toothpaste is also better able to do its job in protecting your teeth when particles are removed first, noted a small 2018 studyTrusted Source.

Prevents gum disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a mouth infection that destroys the soft tissue and bones that support your teeth. Gum disease occurs when there’s too much bacteria on the surface of the teeth.

This can happen as a result of poor dental hygiene, which includes not brushing or flossing properly, and skipping routine dental cleanings.

Signs of gum disease include:

bad breath

swollen, red tender gums

loose teeth

bleeding gums

Gets rid of plaque

Because plaque is a primary cause of gum disease, it’s important to floss and brush each day. Plaque usually hardens on the teeth within 24 to 36 hours. If you floss your teeth regularly, and then brush afterwards, plaque usually will not harden on your teeth.

After flossing and brushing, don’t forget to spit out any remaining toothpaste in your mouth. But you shouldn’t rinse your mouth. This likely comes as a surprise since many people have been conditioned to rinse out their mouth with water or mouthwash after brushing.

The bottom line

Dental problems like cavities and gum disease are preventable, but the key is sticking with a good dental care routine. This involves regularly flossing and brushing, and using mouthwash at the appropriate times.

Good oral health results in more than fresh breath. It also prevents gum disease and contributes to your overall health.

(01/19/2021)
by Healthline

More Information: https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/floss-before-or-after-brushing

Views: 488
Share


My BEST Dentists Journal Headlines